Chinese military researchers tap US AI models to train defense systems
Chinese researchers have reportedly used leading U.S. AI models developed by OpenAI and Anthropic to train AI systems to advance defense capabilities.
F-47 program producing test aircraft, on schedule for 2028 flight
The F-47 program has begun its engineering and manufacturing phase and will fly during this presidential administration, a service official said.
Navy awards $76.6 billion for Virginia, Columbia-class submarines
The U.S. Navy is spending $76.6 billion to build five Columbia-class and nine Virginia-class submarines.
Iran war depleted US Patriot missile stockpiles, creating readiness challenges, experts say
The U.S. has depleted roughly two-thirds of its pre-war Patriot missile interceptor inventory during the conflict with Iran, new analysis says.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Show Coverage: Eurosatory 2026
Defense News is reporting on the top news and headlines coming out of Eurosatory.
2026 Operational Transformers
Defense News’ Operational Transformers is an annual list recognizing leaders who turn defense innovation into deployed, operational capability.
Whitepaper: Protecting the Shield
Learn more about how Golden Dome’s layered missile defense architecture functions, how integrating legacy and emerging systems creates risk, and more.
Whitepaper: Quantum-Ready Encryption in Hybrid Defense
Learn more about the quantum threat to modern defense encryption, why migrating to quantum-resistant security is complex and unavoidable, and more.
Sponsored Content
Teaching Teens Smart Credit Card Habits
A teen's first credit card can feel a little risky, but it's a great way to introduce youngsters to the concept of credit. Jeanette Mack explains.
Air
Indonesia orders Leonardo light fighters, eyes naval helicopters
The Indonesian Air Force is slated to get Leonardo M-346F light fighters, further diversifying an eclectic aircraft fleet.
Land
Australia whips together a hybrid air defense weapon
Australia successfully tested a “Frankenstein” medium-range air defense system last month harnessing existing and new capabilities in a novel way.
Pentagon
Just one in three Americans back Iran war, most unsure of Trump’s goals, poll finds
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 69% of Americans think President Donald Trump has not “clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran.”
Chinese military researchers tap US AI models to train defense systems
Chinese researchers have reportedly used leading U.S. AI models developed by OpenAI and Anthropic to train AI systems to advance defense capabilities.
The arms race for cheaper anti-ballistic weapons is underway
After years of a Patriot monopoly, new anti-ballistic alternatives are emerging. Officials hope to see some of them on the battlefield by the end of 2026.
MilTech
US strikes $58.6 billion Patriot missile deal amid rising stockpile concerns
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion to produce Patriot interceptor missiles.
House-passed defense bill includes controversial US-Israel tech measure
The House-passed defense bill includes a measure to encourage co-development and co-production between the U.S. and Israeli defense industrial bases.
Pentagon calls for cheaper long-range strike weapons, with testing in just 3 months
The Pentagon is seeking long-range weapons that cost less than $250,000 each and can be ready for demonstration within three months.
Naval
US Navy deploys GARC uncrewed surface vessel in first live-fire training exercise
The Navy confirmed its first live-fire training exercise of its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft uncrewed surface vessel.
Space
European firms plan exo-atmospheric interceptor for 2027 test
Bliksem EXO is meant to defeat ballistic threats including Russia’s intermediate-range Oreshnik missile with separating and maneuvering re-entry vehicles.
VIDEOS
Navy deploys GARC uncrewed surface vessel in first live-fire exercise
The Navy showed off its first live-fire exercise of the GARC surface vessel in dramatic attack footage on a decommissioned ship.
More Stories
Australia should surge defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, Pentagon says
"The decisions that we make around defense spending are going to be driven by Australia’s national interest," said Defense Minister Richard Marles.
‘Imminent’ threat? Hegseth escalates tone on China in key Asia speech
The assessment is a major departure for the U.S. government, and it came with a nudge that nations must choose between Washington and Beijing.
Behemoth Golden Dome may face lackluster scrutiny in Trump’s Pentagon
Hegseth's decision to shutter DOT&E was at least partially triggered by the office's plans to oversee Golden Dome's test plans, sources told Defense News.
Meta and Anduril work on mixed reality devices for the US military
Anduril and Meta plan to build VR/AR extended reality headsets for the military as part of the the contract that Anduril took over from Microsoft.
Israel claims drone interceptions with high-power lasers
Officials have declined to say which weapons were used, hinting only at a new generation of smaller, mobile laser guns.
Pentagon ends new radar effort meant for Guam missile defense
The Pentagon quietly directed the Missile Defense Agency to stop development of a new radar to protect Guam, according to a recent GAO report.
By Jen Judson
Lockheed eyes better stealth, unmanned option for F-35
After losing the Air Force's next-generation fighter contract to Boeing, Lockheed Martin hopes to fold sixth-generation tech into the F-35.
EU unveils Black Sea strategy with an eye on post-war Ukraine
The plan will see the creation of a “Black Sea Maritime Security Hub” to serve as Europe’s early-warning center in the region.
By Linus Höller
DOGE can now review most unclassified Pentagon contracts
In a new memo, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said DOGE may now offer input on solicitations, requirements and cost estimates for most new contracts.
Chinese hold on solar-power tech raises fresh sabotage fears in Europe
After a news report about undeclared circuitry in Chinese solar components, European experts fear the bloc may be vulnerable to blackmail.
By Linus Höller